vWe have been familiar with Pesha­wari chappals since the beginning of shoe shopping in Pakistan. Most of us recognise them from the really bulky, black, feet-engulfing footwear who would team them up with starched, shiny, white, billowing shalwar kameezes.

Well, move on over once again, because the femme brigade has taken over this style statement and they are stamping their mark on it to make it wearable for more delicate feet.

The rage has not just gripped Karachi but has swept the entire nation and shops in Lahore and Islamabad are also brimming with these toe-ticklers in all their ethnic glory. Most feet that are carrying these eye-catchers belong to teens but the chappal is also a favourite among older women. The most popular are the truck art designs that are easily teamed with denims and kurtis, creating a funky fusion all its own.

Peshawari chappals are the new craze in women’s footwear

There was a time when leather was the only raw material that went into making this traditional must-have, but for women, a lighter, synthetic material is being used in order to keep them comfortable on their less bulky feet. The clever manufacturers have also kept in mind the fever frenzy of the diamanté khussas and used the same handiwork on the chappal.

More breathing space is provided for feet, diverting from the original Peshawari chappal to allow women to show off their pretty, painted toes. Although they started off as an Eid delight, they have quickly turned into something working women are opting for as an item of daily wear. They not only give colour to their entire ensemble, they can make you feel younger and sprightlier on your feet.

“Peshawari chappals are very traditional and close to our culture,” says educationist Ambreen Shah. “If you are wearing cultural attire, these chappals are a must as they compliment the dress and you. I feel proud wearing them because they truly reflect the expertise of my country’s craftsmanship.”

“I recently visited Lahore and noticed so many girls wearing these in a variety of designs,” comments Nadia M. Khan. “They range from 2,900 rupees to 4,500 rupees depending on the craftsmanship and embellishments. I just had to purchase them, they are so chic.”

Although a large percentage of women have been going gaga for this footwear fetish, some believe that this trend needs to be left to those who have larger-sized feet.

“Depends on the print,” says Faiqa. “They look nice if the cut is sleek. They go well with jeans but I couldn’t pair them with shalwar kameez. Some people carry them well. However, on others they look awful.”

“Peshawari chappals are very traditional and close to our culture,” says educationist Ambreen Shah. “If you are wearing cultural attire, these chappals are a must as they compliment the dress and you. I feel proud wearing them because they truly reflect the expertise of my country’s craftsmanship.”

“I personally don’t like Peshawari chappals on women because they are not meant for ladies,” says Azra. “They are incomparable to embroidered and plain khussas!”

“The price of these monstrosities is too high,” says a thrifty buyer. “They are part of our traditional wear and are locally made, and the craftsmen are probably not paid half as much as they are charging online and in market places. I have actually steered clear of these myself only because of this reason. They are gorgeous to look at though!”

“I like Peshawri chappals for their vast and diverse variety,” says Fakiha Subbyel Khan. “They are perfect for all sorts of parties, functions and festivals (formal and informal). Plus I love the bright colours, as they go with almost every outfit.”

The bedazzling pearl embroidery, intricate flower and leaf patterns, and the teasing display of just the right amount of toe has kept the ladies clamouring for more when it comes to this cultural comeback. It looks like this trend is nowhere near its culmination.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, December 18th, 2016